Ways We Help

Since the FamiliesCAN program began in 2000, we have helped more than 700 families as they make their way through cancer treatment.

The primary focus of FamiliesCAN is providing financial support for patients. We pay for a family’s most basic needs, including rent or mortgage, and food. When possible, we also fund a wide range of secondary expenses, including: temporary housing/hotels; transportation; childcare; counseling; education (fees and tuition, from preschool up to college); recreational costs (Great America and Disneyland); attendant care; personal items (wigs, undergarments). Over the years we have paid for Thanksgiving dinners for homebound families, karate and dance lessons, deposits on new apartments and automobiles...whatever the situation has called for to ease the impact of cancer on the family. We do not fund medical expenses, including prescription drugs.

FamiliesCAN also provides emotional support for patients by connecting them with a variety of cancer-related resources in the community. A list of these supporting organizations can be found on our Resources page. One program that we have introduced dozens of families to over the years is Camp Kesem, a camp for the children of cancer patients. The local camp is run by Stanford students and enrollment begins at the beginning of each calendar year. The camp, popular among both returning and new campers, fills very quickly. If you are accepted in the familesCAN program, you will receive a referral — or, you may contact them directly at Camp Kesem for an application.

This is to thank you for all the ways in which you have helped us cancer-mothers do special thing for our children — things we would not be able to do otherwise. The graciousness that comes so naturally to you is rare indeed and we are lucky to know you. ~ Catherine